Approximately 50% of American men over 40 have experienced problems with impotence to varying degrees, according to a study by the New England Research Institute. The ability to have an erection declines with age. A recent study suggests that 19 million men from age 40 to 70 in the U.S., out of a total of more than 37 million, either may be impotent or may have experienced the problem.

While it used to be thought that impotence was primarily a psychological problem, doctors now tell us that physical causes predominate. Among the most common: atherosclerotic disease (vascular disease), which usually starts affecting men as they age... in the 50s, 60s, and especially in the 70s; diabetes; alcoholism; neurogenic problems, such as MS (multiple sclerosis); spinal cord injuries; hormonal deficiencies; certain medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure, tranquilizers, sedatives, and amphetamines.

The Marlboro Man may be impotent.

According to Denver urologist Lawrence Karsh, M.D., smoking is one of the worst things a young man can do to his body. We already know about smoking's link to lung cancer and heart disease. But smoking, over many years' time, can also damage and block the blood vessels inside the penis, resulting in a failure to sustain a normal erection. In most cases, the damage won't be seen until it's too late - - sometimes not for 20 - 30 years or longer.

For additional information on impotence, including treatments, contact:

American Urological Association
1120 N. Charles St.
Baltimore, MD  21201
(410) 727-1100

Impotence Information Center
(800) 843-4315
(800) 543-9632

For information on stopping smoking, contact:

Cancer Information Service (CIS),
a program of the National Cancer Institute, 
at 1-800-4-CANCER
(1-800-422-6237).

Or contact: 
American Cancer Society, 
1599 Clifton Road,
NE, Atlanta 
Georgia 30329-4251,
1-800-ACS-2345,
(404) 329-5739,
FAX: (404) 325-2217.

Joel R. Cooper
The Medical Reporter/Joel R. Cooper Creative Services
Medical & Healthcare writing, editing and reporting
P.O. Box 370314
Denver, CO 80237
Telephone: (303) 337-6299; FAX: (303) 337- 9201
e-mail: jcooper@medreport.com